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Cornrow braids are quite a low maintenance hairstyle but they present so many opportunities for creativity.
Learning how to cornrow can seem intimidating but like with most skills, practice makes perfect.
Christian Vierig / Getty Images / Byrdie
Looking to become a braiding wiz in no time?
Read ahead for tips and tricks from three braiding experts.
A rattail comb is an absolute must for sectioning your hair.
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Oh and don’t forget adetangling brush.
On hair that has more texture, wave, curl, or coil, prep would require amoisture-based product.
“I recommend using Aveda’sNutriplenish Daily Moisturizing Treatmentfor adding hydration to your hair,” Allen adds.
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Skinnier sections will result in smaller cornrows, while larger sections will yield bigger cornrows.
Here, a section is parted in front to create a cornrow directed to the side.
“There is no one way to part for cornrows,” notes O’Connor.
Photo © 2009 D. Sandeen, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Allen says that you must keep your hands close to your scalp.
Begin Braiding Small Section
Begin to braid the small section of hair at the hairline.
If you’re new to braiding cornrows, O’Connor recommends starting with a basic style.
Photo © 2009 D. Sandeen, licensed to About.com, Inc.
“Straight back is the simplest form of cornrows to start with,” she says.
Add an even amount of hair each time for a uniform look.
“Try not to get frustrated.
Photo © 2009 D. Sandeen, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Practice makes perfect and the more you do it, the easier it becomes,” she says.
But natural hair, as pictured, needs to be detangled as you work your way down sections.
Damtew recommends theFelicia Leatherwood Detangler Brushfor getting rid of knots without breakage.
Photo © 2009 D. Sandeen, licensed to About.com, Inc.
(This will work better onnatural hair.)
Completed Cornrows
This is a simple and basic cornrow style.
The parts are straight and the size is uniform.
Photo © 2009 D. Sandeen, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Smaller braids will last longer than larger braids.
Taking care of your braids by sleeping in asilk or satin bonnetwill help braids of any size last longer.
You’ll also want to keep your scalp and hair healthy.
Photo © 2009 D. Sandeen, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Use a leave-in milk to keep braids/twists hydrated."
If you do decide to blow-dry your hair, be sure to use aleave-in conditioner.
To avoid excessive heat damage, it’s best not to flat iron your hair before braiding it.
Photo © 2009 D. Sandeen, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Photo © 2009 D. Sandeen, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Photo © 2009 D. Sandeen, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Photo © 2009 D. Sandeen, licensed to About.com, Inc.
